Method and means for use in lasting shoes



March 2, 1937. c. F. PYM 1 2 I METHOD AND MEANS FOR USE IN LASTING SHOES Filed April 5, 1935 4 Sheets-Sheet 1 Fig'cl.

March 2,19 1. c, F; PYM 2,012,214

METHOD AI ID MEANS FOR USE IN LASTING SHOES Filed April 5, 1935 4 Sheets-Sheet 2 62 v 2 g. 44 4g VE/WUF M .P (1mm 21 v @W Hi ifm March 2, 1937. c; F. PYM 2,072,214

METHOD AND MEANS FOR USE IN LASTING SHOES I Filed April 5, 1955 4 Sheets-Sheet s WVEA/TUQ 7 mil? 7 3 w March 2, 1937. c. F. PYM 2,072,214-

METHOD AND MEANS FOR USE- IN LAS TING SHOES Filed April 5, 1935 Y 4 Sheets-Sheet 4 Patented Mar. 2, 1937 UNITED STATES PATENT OFFICE METHOD AND MEANS FOR USE IN LASTING SHOES Charles F. Pym,

deceased,

late of Beverly,

Application April 5, 1935, Serial No. 14,880

52 Claims.

This invention relates to methods and means for use in lasting shoes, and is herein illustrated by reference to the lasting of the sides of shoes between the toe and heel-end portions, although it is to be understood that in some aspects the invention is not thus limited in its applicability.

The invention, in one aspect, provides a novel method which comprises working an upper heightwise of a last to stretch and conform it to the contour of the last by frictional contact therewith along its opposite sides substantiallyfrom its toe-end portion to its heel-end portion, and then further tensioning the upper by gripping and pulling heightwise of the last the marin of the portions of the upper thus frictionally acted upon. Preferably, as herein illustrated, the upper is thus acted upon frictionally at the opposite sides of the last simultaneously and it is then held in close conformity to the contour of the sides of the last by pressure against it, after which it is further tensioned by gripping and pullingits margin in different locations successively. Advantages with respect to uniformity in the tensioning and shaping of different por- 5 tions of the upper by friction and pressure without danger of objectionable distortion of any.

portion thereof are thus combined with such further advantages as there may be, in operating on some kinds of work, in tensioning the upper additionally by a pull applied at its margin. Further, in accordance withthe procedure herein illustrated, each portion of the margin thus pulled is laid inwardly over the insole and is fastened in lasted position by driving a fastening through it and into the insole, although it is to be understood that in some novel aspects the invention is not limited to the fastening of the upper in this particular manner.

In a further aspect, the invention provides novel means adapted for use in the practice of the above-described method. For the purposes in view the construction herein shown comprises means for frictionally engaging the sides of the upper and working the upper heightwise of the last, together with a gripper for thereafter gripping and pulling different portions of the margin of the upper and means for wiping in and fastening the different portions as the shoe is presented successively in different locations. More particularly, the frictional upper-conforming means herein shown comprises a flexible elastic apron mounted on a shoe support which is movable to present the shoe successively in diiferent locations for the action of the gripper and of the wiping and fastening means after the,

upper has been conformed to the last by the apron, the shoe support being specially constructed to facilitate such movements of the shoe as to present the different portions of the upper in proper relation to the parts which thus act thereon. In the construction shown, the flexible elastic apron is adapted to receive the last and shoe when presented by the operator and mounted on the shoe support are members or pressers for forcing the last and shoe downwardly within the apron to cause the apron by frictional contact with the upper to draw it tightly over the last. Combined with the apron in the illustrated construction, are members curved similarly to the opposite bottom edges of the last and movable inwardly toward the last to press the upper against the last below its bottom edge with the marginal portion of the upper upstanding. Inv accordance with a further feature, there is provided novel means for preventing excessive downward movement of the shoe support as the last and shoe are forced downwardly within the flexible apron by the pressers, this means being movable out of operative relation to the shoe support in response to the movement of the support to present the shoe to the action of theupper-pulling, over-wiping and fastening means.

The above and other features of the invention including novel details of construction and combinations of parts and also the novel method aspects of the invention will now be more particularly set forth by reference to the accompanying drawings and pointed out in the claims.

In the drawings, a

Fig. 1 is a view in side elevation of the base and a portion of the head of a lasting machine, with novel features of the invention embodied therein;

Fig. 2 is a view in front elevation of the shoesupporting and upper-conforming means shown in Fig. 1 with the parts in the positions that. they assume at the completion of the upperconforming operation, portions of the structure being broken away; 7

Fig. 3 is a perspective view of the upper-conforming means, showing the positions of the parts as the shoe is presented tothe upper-pulling, overlaying and fastening-inserting instrumentalities of the machine; 1

Fig. 4 is a plan view of the upper-conforming means and the shoe with the parts in the posi tions shown in Fig. 2;

Fig. 5 is a view in vertical section of the uppe conforming means and the shoe, showing also in elevation the upper-pulling and overlaying and fastening means in the positions that they occupy at the end of an overlaying and upperfastening operation;

Fig. 6 is a detailed view in side elevation of means for manually controlling the power shifting of the raceways and the mechanism for varying the stroke of the driver; and

Fig. 7 is a perspective view of a shoe as it appears after the operation of the machine thereon.

Since the invention is herein illustrated in its application to a Well-known type of lasting machine which is fully illustrated and described in United States Letters Patent No. 1,777,382, granted October 7, 1930, on an application of T. H. Seely, only such parts of the machine as it is necessary to refer to for an understanding of the invention will be mentioned herein. It will be understood that machines of the type shown in said Letters Patent are each provided with fastening-supplying mechanism in the form of raceways which are adapted respectively to receive tacks of different lengths for insertion in different portions of a shoe, and with mechanism for shifting the raceways to bring one or the other of them into operative relation to tack-separating mechanism which is operated once in each cycle of the machine to separate a tack from one or the other of the raceways. As each tack is separated it is fed into a pocket in a wiper I [I which is moved inwardly to wipe the marginal portion of the upper into lasted position on the shoe bottom after the upper has been pulled heightwise of the last and inwardly over an insole on the last by a gripper l2. After the wiper completes its inward movement the tack is driven into the work by a driver I4 to secure the upper in overdrawn or lasted position. Such machines are also provided with mechanism for varying the stroke of the driver, in order that the tacks may be completely driven into the work or left upstanding from the work, and with power-operated means controlled by the movements of a U shaped lever [6 (Figs. 1 and 6) for operating the mechanism for varying the stroke of the driver and the mechanism for shifting the raceways. In the machine illustrated the U-shaped lever l6, which corresponds to the U-shaped lever 216 of the machine of the Letters Patent above mentioned, is provided with a handle l8 by means of which it may be moved to connect the poweroperated means to the mechanism for varying the stroke of the driver and to the mechanism for shifting the raceways.

The machine is provided with a base 20 (Fig. 1) upon which is mounted for vertical adjustment a head 22 for supporting the operating parts of the machine to which operative movements are imparted from cams on a cam shaft (not shown) fixed on the outer end of which is a pulley 24 connected by a belt 26 to a pulley 28 loosely mounted on a counter shaft 30. The counter shaft 30 is continuously driven from a source of power and is connected to the pulley 28 by friction disks 32, 34 upon depression of a treadle 36 in the same manner as in the machine of the prior Letters Patent. To assist the operator in positioning for the operation of the machine a shoe of the type illustrated the machine is provided with a shoe bottom rest 38 which is arranged to engage the bottom face of the insole and the inside face of a lip or projection on the insole (Figs. 1 and 3). Except for the provision of the handle 8 for operating the U-shaped lever I 6 the machine as thus far described is constructed substantially as heretofore.

In the illustrated machine, a last having thereon an insole and an upper which has preferably although not necessarily been previously pulled over and fastened at the toe and at the opposite sides of the forepart is placed by the operator bottom upward in a flexible elastic apron til (Figs. 1, 2 and 3) which is arranged to extend across the top face of the upper and last beneath the same and as illustrated is of such length as to extend from the toe-end portion to the heel-end portion of the upper and to overlap more or less these different end portions. The apron is suspended in position to receive the shoe on members 42, operated as hereinafter described to clamp the upper against the last below its bottom edge, the apron being fastened to the members 42 by clamps 44 and screws 4%. To assist in supporting the last and shoe within the apron there is fastened to the apron a block 48 of rigid material, preferably light material such as aluminum, arranged to underlie and serve as a support for the top of the heel end of the last. This block and the apron are secured together by a U- shaped metal clamp 50 and screws 52 (Fig. 2). The block 48 is provided with a guideway 54 (Fig. 3) in which is mounted a slide 55 having fixed thereon a spindle 58 (Fig. 2) arranged to project into the spindle hole of the last. The slide 56 and the spindle 53 are thus freely movable in directions lengthwise of the shoe to permit lasts and shoes of difierent sizes to be readily positioned in proper relation to the apron 40, the movements of these parts in opposite directions being limited by pins 60 in the block 48.

The last and shoe supported as above described are depressed within the flexible elastic apron Ml by three hook-shaped members or pressers 62 (Figs. 2, 3 and 4) which are pivotally connected to a frame 64 for swinging movements into and out of positions over the shoe bottom. Two of the pressers 62 are mounted for swinging movements laterally of the shoe at the opposite sides of the toe end, forwardly of the apron 40, and the other presser is mounted for swinging movements lengthwise of the shoe at the heel end, each presser being provided with a prong 66 to penetrate the insole. The frame 64 is secured to the upper ends of a pair of rods 68 which extend downwardly, one at each side of the shoe, and are slidingly mounted in bearings in a holder 73 which is supported by an arm 12. As shown particularly in Fig. 1, there are formed upon the opposite end portions of the arm 12 trunnions I4, 76 which are mounted in blocks 78, 80. The block 78 is pivotally connected at 82, for swinging movements about an axis extending lengthwise of the shoe, to the forked upper end of a forwardly projecting fixed arm 84 on the base 20 of the machine. The block 80 has laterally extending trunnions 88, one of which is shown in Fig. l, which project into curved slots formed in the opposite sides of the base, the curved slots 90 being concentric with the axis 82 of the block 78. From the above description, it will be seen that the arm 72 may rotate freely about the axes of its trunnions hi, 7% and may be swung about the axis 82 of the block 78 within limits determined by the engagement of the trunnions 88 with the base 29 at the opposite ends of the curved slots 95. Pivotally connected at 9| to the arm 72, also for swinging movements about an axis extending in a direction lengthwise of the shoe, is a sleeve 92 in which there is vertically movable a rod 84 which extends upwardly through a central bore in the holder 78 and through a crosshead 96 which is secured by clamping screws 88 to the lower end portions of the rods 68. Fast on the upper end of the rod 94 is a collar I88 which bears against a ball thrust bearing I82 mounted in a central recess in the crosshead 86, and surrounding the rod 94 between the crosshead 96 and a shoulder I84 on the holder is a compression spring I86 (Fig. 2). Connected to the lower end of the rod 84 by a chain I88 is an arm II 8 which is pivotally connected at II 2 to the base 281 Fulcrumed in the base 88 is a treadle II4 which is connected by an adjustable link H6 to the arm H6 and is held ihraised position by a tension spring II8 which extends between the treadle and the forwardly projecting arm 84 (Fig. 1). Depression of the treadle II4 acts through the rod 84 to move the crosshead 86 downwardly. Downward movement of the crosshead acts through the rods 68 and the frame 64 to impart downward movementto the pressers 62 to depress the last and shoe within the apron 48.

The members 42 to which the apron 48 is fastened are moved inwardly toward the'last torender the apron effective by frictional contact with the upper to Work the opposite sides of the upper heightwise of the last as the last isd epressed, and are arranged to act thereafter through the apron to clamp the upper against the last below its bottom edge with the marginal portion of the upper projecting beyond said edge. In order that the members 42 will press the upper against the last along its opposite sides they ed in bearings in the holder I8 and in a later-- ally extending boss I28 formed on the crosshead 86 (Fig. 2). Two such rods Jare'provided, one for each lever. Surrounding each rod I26 between the crosshead 86 and a collar I38 fast on the lower end of the rod is a compression spring I32, and mounted on each rod above the crosshead 96 is an adjustable collar I34. The springs I32 act on the rods I26 to hold the collars I34 normally in engagement with the upper faces of the bosses I28. By adjustment of the collars I34 heightwise of the rods I26 the initial positions of the bell-crank levers I2I may be varied to vary the initial open positions of the members 42 to accommodate shoes of different widths. The apron is thus held open by the action of the member I28 on the collars I34 when the member I28 is in its initial raised position, 'Asshown,

the members 42 are clamped to the upper sur-' faces I36 of the upwardly extending arms I28 of the bell-crank levers I2I by cap screws I38 which extend through slots I48 formed in the memhere 42. After loosening the cap screws I38 the members 42 may be adjusted independently of each other widthwise of the shoe relatively to the bell-crank levers I28, as may be necessary in operating upon shoes of diiferent. styles. By

reference to the drawings it will be seenithat the,

surfaces I36 are inclined relatively to the vertlcal longitudinal median plane of the shoe so that as the members 42 are thus adjusted their positions heightwise of the shoe are varied, to insure that the upper will be clamped against the last below its bottom edge without interference between the apron 48 and the overlaying member I8 as the overlaying member moves inwardly over the bottom of the shoe to lay the margin of the upper over the insole. It will be understood that as the pressers 62 are moved downwardly by depression of the treadle H4 to-depress the last and shoe within the apron 48 the crosshead 86 acts through the springs I82 to pull the rods I26 downwardly and thus to impart inward swinging movements to the bellcrank levers I2I to wrap the apron 48 about the last and upper. For holding the rod 94 against upward movement with the last and shoe depressed within the apron there is formed upon the lower end portion of the rod a series of upwardly facing ratchet teeth I42 arranged to cooperate with a pair of pawls I44 pivotally mounted on the sleeve 92 (Fig. 1). As shown, the pawls are arranged one above the other and in such relation that one of them will be in position to engage the upper face of one of the ratchet teeth I42 at the end of the downward movement of the rod 84 to depress the last and shoe within the apron. Each pawl I44 is urged in a direction to engage one of the ratchet teeth I42 by a spring I46 and extending outwardly from each pawl is an arm I48. The arms I48 are connected by a link I58 which is connected by a second link I52 to an arm I54 pivotally connected to the sleeve 82. The arm I54 is provided with an outwardly and upwardly extending portion I56 by means of which it may be swung in a direction to move the pawls I44 outwardly away from the ratchet teeth I42 to release the rod 84 for upward movement.

To assist in supporting the shoe against tipping movements as the shoe and last are depressed within the apron 48 there is provided a plunger I58 which is vertically movable in a bearing in the holder 78 and is normally elevated by a spring I 68 which surrounds a reduced end portion of the plunger between a shoulder I62 on the plunger and a shoulder I64 on the holder, upward movement of the plunger I58 under the influence of the spring I68 being limited by the engagement of a nut and washer I66 on the lower end of the plungerw with a portion of the holder 78. The plunger I58 is arranged beneath the block 48 and that portion of the apron 48 to which this block is secured and is depressed against the resistance of thespring I68 by the action of this block thereon during the downward movement of the last and shoe. To hold the plunger I58 against turning movement in its bearing in the holder 78 there is secured to the holder by a screw I68 a collar I78 having a tongue formed thereon arranged to engage a lengthwise groove I72 in the plunger I58 (Fig. 2). Supported on the plunger are a pair of clamp arms I74 pivotally mounted on pins I78 on the head I78 of the plunger. The clamp arms I74 are arranged to engage the U-shaped clamp 58 whereby the apron is fastened to the block 48. These clamp arms are controlled bytoggle links I88 (Figs. 1 and 2) pivotally connected to their lower ends, these two links being connected to a pin I82 which is movable in a slot in the head I I8 and is carried by a small plunger I84 in this head. The plunger I84 is normally elevated by a spring I86 in the plunger I58, as .illustratedin Fig. 2.

The upper end of the plunger I84 is engaged by the U-shaped clamp 59 and at the beginning of the downward movement of the shoe is depressed against the resistance of the spring I86 and acts through the toggle links I to swing the clamp arms I14 inwardly against the clamp 50 so that these arms maintain the block 48 and the shoe in an upright position during the upper conforming operation. Thereafter the clamping means is moved farther downwardly with the plunger I58.

In order to prevent distortion of the heel-end portion of the upper by the upward pull of the apron 49 on the portions of the upper located forwardly of the heel end, the machine is provided with means for clamping the opposite sides of the heel end of the upper against the last. This means comprises clamp members I88 (Figs. 2 and 3) preferably of rubber or leather arranged to engage the sides of the heel end portion of the upper near the top edge of the upper, these members being mounted on the opposite ends of a thin resilient plate I99 which is fastened to the block 48 and is so formed as to hold the clamp members initially in widely separated relation. It will be observed that the clamp members I88 are between the apron 40 and the shoe. As the clamp arms IId are swung inwardly to clamp the U- shaped clamp 58 and the apron 48 against the block 48 the resilient plate I98 is swung inwardly to move the clamp members I88 into engagement with the upper.

By reference to Fig. 1 it will be seen that the holder III which acts as a support for the upperconforming means may be swung about the axis 9i of the sleeve 92, to move the upper conforming means and the shoe into and out of operative relation to the upper-pulling, overlaying and fastening-inserting mechanisms of the machine, and that it may also be swung about the axis of the trunnions I4, I6 of the arm '52 to move the shoe lengthwise relatively to these mechanisms. In order that the shoe may be presented in such location with that portion of the edge of the shoe bottom where the operation is to be performed substantially normal to the direction of inward movement of the overlaying means it will be seen also that the holder I9 may be rotated on the sleeve 92 about the axis of the rod 94 to impart more or less turning movement to the shoe. The holder I9 is thus mounted for swinging movements about different axes extending lengthwise and widthwise of the shoe and also for turning movements about an axis extending heightwise of the shoe to present the shoe successively in different positions for the operation of the upper-pulling, overlaying and fastening-inserting mechanisms of the machine. To relieve the operator of the weight of the holder I9 and the parts supported thereby as the holder is swung rearwardly there is connected at one end to the sleeve 92 and at the other end to an adjustable rod 594 a spring I92 which tends always to impart swinging movement to the sleeve 92 in a direction to move the holder I9 rearwardly. The rod I94 extends loosely through an opening in a clamp I96 which is secured by a screw I98 to the end of the trunnion I4. Threaded on the outer end of the rod I94 and engaging the outer face of the clamp I96 is a nut 288 by means of which the position of the rod relatively to the clamp may be varied to vary the tension of the spring I92. The sleeve 92 is provided with a bearing surface 292 for the laterally extending nose portion 294 of a member 296 fulcrumed at 298 to the base 29. A spring 2I9 connected at one-end to a pin 2 I2 in the latch and at the other end to a pin 2I4 threaded in the base 20 acts to hold the latch in engagement with the bearing surface 202 on the sleeve. When the holder I8 is swung outwardly about the axis 9| of the sleeve 92 the latch 206 is swung to the left (Fig. 1) and acts by engagement with a downwardly extending portion 2I6 on the block 88 to limit outward swinging movement of the holder I8 and by engagement with a shoulder 2 I 8 on the block 80 the member 286 acts also to limit downward swinging movement of the pivoted arm 82 when the parts are in their initial positions. Connected to the pivoted arm I2, one on each side of the arm, are springs 2| 9 one of which is shown in Fig. 1, each spring being connected at its opposite end to a pin 220 in the fixed arm 84 on the base 28. It will be understood that the springs 2 I 9 thus act to hold the arm I2 against turning movements about the axes of its trunnions I4 and I6. Connected to the opposite ends of the trunnions 88 in the block 89 which acts as a support for the rear end of the arm I2 are equal springs 222 each one of which is connected at its upper end to an adjustable hook 224 supported by the frame 20. Preferably, the springs 222 exert a greater pull on the arm 12 than do the springs 2 I9 when the parts are in the positions shown in Fig. 1 so that the shoe is upheld by the springs 222 with its bottom surface in engagement with the shoe bottom rest 38. As the casing I9, however, is swung outwardly into inoperative position the pivoted arm I2 is free to swing about its pivot 82 until the pull of the springs 222 on this arm is counterbalanced by the weight of the parts supported by the arm and the increased tension of the spring 2I9. By adjustment of the hooks 224 the tension of the springs 222 may be so regulated as to permit the arm I2 to come to rest with the trunnions 88 substantially in engagement with the base 28 at the upper ends of the curved slots 90. At this time the rod 94 is in its uppermost position and forms with the chain I08 substantially a right angle with the arm I I8.

When the parts are in their starting positions the operator mounts a last and shoe on the spindie 58 and by moving it lengthwise with the spindle presents it in proper relation to the clamping members 42. The shoe as thus mounted is supported by the flexible apron 40, the clamp 50 by which the apron is clamped to the block 48 resting substantialls in engagement with the upper end of the small plunger I84. With the parts in these positions the operator swings the hook-shaped pressers 62 inwardly into positions over the shoe bottom and depresses the treadle II4. Depression of the treadle II4 moves the crosshead 96 downwardly and through the spring I06 imparts downward swinging movement to the pivoted arm I2 until the shoulder 2I8 on the block 88 engages the member 266. Further downward movement of the crosshead 96 acts through the rods 68 to impart downward movement to the pressers 62 to depress the last and shoe within the apron 48. In the first part of the downward movement of the shoe the plunger I84 is depressed to swing the clamp arms I14 inwardly against the clamp 59 so as to maintain the shoe-supporting block 48 in an upright position and to spring the upper ends of the resilient plate I inwardly to press the clamps I88 on these upper ends against the upper. In the continued downward movement of the shoe the plunger I58 is depressed against the resistance of the spring I69 and the clamping members 42 are moved inwardly toward the -shoe by the action ofthe springs I32 on the rods Hit. The rubber apron 40 is thuscarried inwardly and pressed against the sides of the up per to render it more effective by frictional contact with the upper to work the upper heightwise of the last as the shoe is depressed, the apron being stretched more or less by the downward movement of the shoe to assist in working and pressing the upper tightly into conformity to the contour of the last after which the upper is clamped against the lateral faces of the last near its bottom edge by the members 42with the marginal portion of the upper projecting beyond this. edge. The rod 94 is locked in its lowermost position by engagement of one of the pawls M4 with one of the ratchet teeth 142 on the rod. The operator then permits the treadle ll lto be elevated slightly by the spring M8 to relieve the pressure of the block so on the member 2838, swings the holder 10 rearwardly to carry the last andshce toward the bottom rest 38 and releases the treadle H4 to permit the holder to be moved upwardly by the action of the springs 222 on the arm 12 to press the bottom faceof the insole against the bottom rest. It will be understood that as the holder it is moved upwardly it may be swung about the axis of the trunnions it, It in a direction lengthwise of the shoe to locate the shoe in position for the gripper .jaws i2 to engage that portion of the margin of the upper which is to be secured first in lasted relation to the insole. The operator then starts the machine by depressing the starting treadle 36 whereupon thegripper l2 grips the margin of the upper and pulls it heightwise of the last and inwardly over the insole in the manner more fully described in the prior Letters Patent h-ereinbeiore referred to. It will be understood that while the upper is held against the lateral faces of the last by the apron 40, the gripper it as it is thus moved may further tension more or less the portion of the upper pre-- viously acted upon by the apron. While the gripper thus holds the upper the overlaying member it is moved forwardly or inwardly to wipe the marginal portion of the upper over the insole against that portion of the lip supported by the bottom rest 38 after which the upper is released by the gripper and a tack is driven by the driver E4 to secure the upper in lasted relation to the insole. After the shoe has been operated upon in one location the operator swings the holder it about the axis of the trunnions it, it against the resistance of one or the other of the springs 2m to present a different portion of the upper to the action of the upperpulling, overlaying and fastening-inserting mechanisms. It will be understood that as the shoe is thus moved successively into different positions the holder lil may be turned more or less, on the rod 9'4, so that the marginal portion of the shoe'upper being operated upon will be presented substantially in parallel relation to the upper-engaging surfaces of the gripper l2 and the edge face of the insole will be substantially normal to the direction of inward movement of the overlaying member Ill and that the holder it may also be swung about the axis 9| of the sleeve to vary the widthwise position of the shoe in the machine, the springs 222 acting to hold the shoe in each location with the bottom face of the insole and the inside face of the lip in engagement with the bottom rest 38. After the marginal portion of the upper along one side of the shoe has been laid inwardly over the insole and-securedthereto in lasted position the holder 10 is swung about the axis of the rod 94 through 180 and different portions of the margin .of the upper'along the opposite sides of the shoe are then presented successively to the action of the upper-pulling, overlaying and fastening-inserting means, after which the jack is depressed slightly and swung outwardly intoposition to permit the removal of the shoe and the placing of another shoe thereon. In lasting welt shoes in machines of the type illustrated it is the usual practice to last the greater portion of the sides of the shoe and a portion at or adjacent to the breast of the heel with fastenings of different lengths and to drive the fastenings completely into the work in the portions adjacent to the breast of the heel while the fastenings for holding the upper in lasted position along the sides of the welt shoe are left upstanding'or only partially driven for convenience in subsequent removal. It will be understood that in operating along different portions of the sides of the shoe the operator may at will by movement of the U-shaped lever l6 control the length of fastening to be inserted into the work as well as the degree of fastening insertion. It will also be understood that while the machine herein shown is provided with fastening-inserting means the upper might be fastened with adhesive without inserting any fastenings. I While the machine is herein shown as operating upon a welt shoe, it will be understood that the invention with respect to utility is not limited to the manufacture of this particular kind of shoe.

The invention having been thus described, what is claimed as new and what it is desired -to be secured by Letters Patent of the United States is: 3

1. That improvement in methods of lasting shoes which consists in engaging an upper at the opposite sides of 'a last substantially from its toeend portion to its heel-end portion and across the topface of the last by a flexible elastic apron and by relative movement of the last and said apron working the upper heightwise of the last substantially into lasted relation to the last, holding the upper against the last with its marginal portion projecting beyond the edge of an insole on the last by pressure applied to said apron along the sides of the last adjacent to its bottom edge, and while thus holding the upper pulling different portions of its margin successively heightwise of the last and inwardly over the insole and fastening each portion in lasted position.

2. That improvement in methods of lasting shoes which consists in engaging an upper-at the opposite sides of a last substantially from its toeend portion to its heel-end portion and across the top face of the last by a flexible elastic apron and moving'the last and said apron relatively to stretch the apron over the last to cause it by frictional contact with the upper to draw the upper tightly over the last substantially into lasted relation to the last and while thus stretching the apron pressing it against the upper to increase its frictional pull, holding the upper against the last by pressure applied to said apron along the sides of the last below its bottom edge, and while maintaining the apron in stretched condition pulling different portions of the margin of the upper in different locations successively heightwise of the last and inwardly over the insole and fastening the upper in each location in lasted position. 7

3. In a lasting machine, a flexible apron for working an upper heightwise of a last substantially into lasted relation to the last by engaging it frictionally in locations opposite the sides of the last substantially from its toe-end portion to its heel-end portion at one operation, and means for thereafter tensioning the upper by gripping and pulling its margin heightwise of the last in locations between its toe and heel-end portions.

4. In a lasting machine, a flexible elastic apron for working an upper heightwise of a last by engaging it frictionally between its toe and heel-end portions, and means for thereafter tensioning the upper by gripping and pulling heightwise of the last the margin of the portion of the upper thus acted upon by said apron.

5. In a lasting machine, means flexibly conformable to the contour of the sides of a last substantially from its toe-end portion to its heelend portion for working an upper heightwise of the last by frictional contact therewith and for then pressing the upper against the sides of the last, means for also tensioning the upper by gripping and pulling its margin in locations between its toe and heel-end portions, and mechanism separate from said tensioning means for laying the margin of the tensioned upper inwardly over an insole on the last.

6. In a lasting machine, a flexible elastic apron for conforming an upper to the contour of a last between its toe and heel-end portions by relative movement of said apron and the last heightwise of the last, and means having jaws for gripping the margin of the portion of the upper thus acted upon by said apron and for tensioning the upper by relative movement of said jaws and the last heightwise of the last.

7 In a lasting machine, a flexible elastic apron for working an upper heightwise of a last substantially into lasted relation to the last by engaging it frictionally in locations opposite the sides of the last, and a gripper constructed and arranged to grip and pull successively in different locations the margin of the portion of the upper thus frictionally acted upon.

8. In a lasting machine, means comprising a flexible elastic apron for working an upper heightwise of a last between its toe and heelend portions and for then pressing the upper against the sides of the last, and a gripper constructed and arranged to pull thereafter successively in different locations the margin of the portion of the upper thus pressed against the last.

9. In a lasting machine, means flexibly conformable to the contour of the sides of a last substantially from its toe-end portion to its heelend portion for conforming an upper to the contour of the last and holding it pressed against the last with its margin upstanding, and means constructed and arranged to tension the upper between its toe and heel-end portions by gripping and pulling its margin heightwise of the last after the upper has thus been pressed against the last.

10. In a lasting machine, a flexible elastic apron for conforming an upper to the contour of a last between its to and heel-end portions and for holding it pressed against the sides of the last, and a gripper for gripping and pulling successively in different locations the margin of the portion of the upper thus pressed against the last.

11. In a lasting machine, means for conforming an upper tightly to the contour of a last, said means comprising a device flexibly conformable to the contour of the last for working the upper heightwise of the last toward its bottom face in response to relative movement of said device and the last, and means movable relatively to said upper-conforming means for laying over the bottom of the last in difierent locations successively different portions of the margin of the upper.

12. In a lasting machine, means for conforming an upper tightly to the contour of a last, said means comprising a device flexibly conformable to the contour of the last for working the upper heightwise of the last toward its bottom face in response to relative movement of said device and the last, and means for laying over the bottom of the last in different locations successively different portions of the margin of the upper and for fastening each portion in lasted position.

13. In a lasting machine, means for conforming an upper to the contour of a last, said means comprising a flexible device arranged to extend across the top face of the last, mechanism for effecting relative movement of said device and the last in a direction heightwise of the last to cause the device by frictional contact with the upper to tension it over the last, and means for laying over the bottom of the last in different locations successively different portions of the margin of the tensioned upper and for fastening each overlaid portion in lasted position by a driven fastening.

14. In a lasting machine, means for conforming an upper to the contour of a last, said means comprising a flexible elastic apron arranged to engage the upper at the opposite sides of the last, mechanism for effecting relative movement of said apron and the last heightwise of the last to cause the apron by frictional contact with the upper to work it tightly over the last, and means for laying over the bottom of the last in different locations along the edge of the shoe bottom different portions of the margin of the upper and for driving a fastening in each location to fasten the upper in lasted position.

15. In a lasting machine, means for conforming an upper to the shape of a last comprising a flexible elastic apron arranged to engage the upper frictionally at the sides of the last between its toe and heel-end portions and to work the upper heightwise of the last in response to relative movement of said apron and the last, means movable inwardly in response to said relative movement for pressing the upper against the last below its bottom edge with the marginal portion of the upper projecting beyond said edge, and means for laying over the bottom of the last in diflerent locations different portions of the projecting margin of the upper and for fastening each overlaid portion in lasted position.

16. In a lasting machine, means for conforming an upper to the contour of a last, said means comprising a flexible elastic apron arranged to extend across the top face of the last between its toe and heel-end portions, means for depressing the last within the apron to cause said apron by frictional contact with the upper to tension it heightwise of the last, members at opposite sides of the last for supporting said apron and movable inwardly toward the last to increase the pressure of the apron on the upper, and means for laying over the bottom of the last in diiferont locations different portions of the margin of the tensioned upper and for fastening each portion in lasted position by a driven fastening.

17. In a lasting machine, means for conforming an upper to the contour of a last, said means comprising a flexible elastic apronarranged to act on the upper between its toe and heel-end portions, mechanism for effecting relative movement of said apron and the last in a direction heightwise of the last to cause the apron by frictional contact with the upper to draw it tightly over the last, devices at opposite sides of the last for clamping the upper through the apron against the lateral faces of the last below its bottom edge with the marginal portion of the upper upstanding, and means for pulling different portions of the margin of the upper in different locations successively inwardly over the bottom face of the last and for fastening the upper in each location to an insole on the last.

18. In a lasting machine, means for conforming an upper tightly to the contour of a last, said means comprising a flexible elastic apron arranged to engage the upper at the opposite sides of the last between its toe and heel-end portions, means for depressing the last Within the apron by engagement with an insole on the last to cause the apron by frictional contact with the upper to draw it tightly over the last, members curved similarly to the opposite bottom edges of the last and mov able inwardly to press the upper against the last below its bottom edge, and means for laying over the bottom of the last in different locations successively along the sides of the last different portions of the margin of the upper and for fastening the upper in lasted position in each location.

19. In a lasting machine, means for conforming an upper tightly to the contour of a last, said means comprising a flexible elastic apron arranged to extend across the top face of the last and to engage the upper at the opposite sides of the last between its toe and heel-end portions, means 'for efiecting relative movement of the last and said apron in a direction heightwise of the last to cause the apron by frictional contact with the upper to draw it tightly over the last, members for supporting the apron at the opposite sides of the last and movable inwardly in response to said relative movement to press the apron against the last below its bottom edge, and

means for pulling over the bottom of the last in different locations successively different portions of the margin of the upper and for fastening each portion in lasted position by a driven fastening.

20; In a lasting machine, means for conforming an upper to the contour of a last, said means comprising a flexible elastic apron arranged to engage the upper at the opposite sides of the last between its toe and heel-end portions, members for supporting the apron at the opposite sides of the last, mechanism for effecting relative movement of the last and said apron in a direction heightwise of the last to cause the apron by frictional contact with the upper to draw it tightly over the last, said mechanism being arranged also to impart to said members movements inwardly toward the last to press the upper against the last below its bottom edge, and means for working over the bottom of the last in diiferent locations different portions of the margin of the upper acted upon by said apron and for fastening each portion in lasted position by a driven fastening.

21. In a lasting machine, means for conforming an upper to the contour of a last, said means 'contact with the upper to draw the upper tightly about the last, membersmovable inwardly toward the last at its opposite sides into positions to press the upper against the last below its bottom edge with the marginal portion of the upper projecting beyond said edge, and means for laying over the bottom of the last in different locations successively different portions of the margin of the upper and for driving a fastening in each location to fasten the upper in lasted position.

22. In a lasting machine, the combination with shoe-positioning means, and cyclically operating upper-pulling, overlaying and fastening-inserting means, of a shoe support mounted for rearward swinging movement about an axis extending lengthwise of the shoe to carry the shoe toward said upper-pulllng, overlaying and fastening-inserting means, and an arm upon which said support is thus mounted, said arm being mounted for swinging movements about an axis extending lengthwise of the shoe in parallel relation to said last-named axis and for turning movements about an axis extending widthwise of the shoe at right angles to said first and second named axes to permit bodily movements of the support heightwise of the shoe to position the shoe in engagement with said shoe-positioning means and swinging movements of the support relatively to said positioning means in directions lengthwise of the shoe.

23. In a lasting machine, the combination with shoe-positioning means, and cyclically operating upper-pulling, overlaying and fastening-inserting means, of a shoe support mounted for rearward swinging movement to carry the shoe toward said upper-pulling, overlaying and fastening-inserting means; an arm upon which said support is thus mounted, said arm being mounted for swinging movements about an axis extending lengthwise of the shoe and for turning movements about an axis extending widthwise of the shoe to permit bodily movements of the support heightwise of the shoe to position the shoe in engagement with said shoe-positioning means and swinging movements of the support relatively to upper-pulling, overlaying and fastening-inserting means, of a shoe support mounted for rear- Ward swinging movement to carry the shoe toward said upper-pulling, overlaying and fastening-inserting means, an arm upon which said support is thus mounted, said arm being mounted for swinging movements about an axis extending lengthwise of the shoe and for turning movements about an axis extending widthwise of the shoe to permit bodily movements of the support heightwise of theshoe to position the shoe in engagement with said shoe-positioning means and swinging movements of the support relatively to said positioning means in directions lengthwise of the shoe, and spring means acting on said arm to hold the shoe on said support in engagement with said shoe-positioning means and against the resistance of which the support is movable in di- W different portions of a shoe, of a support for a last and shoe mounted for up and down movements and for rearward movement to present the last and shoe to said lasting means, a flexible elastic apron on said support arranged to engage the upper at the sides of the last, means for forcing the last and shoe downwardly within said apron to cause the apron to draw the upper tightly over the last, and means for preventing excessive downward movement of the support as the last and shoe are depressed within the apron and for releasing the support for further downward movement in response to its rearward movement.

26. In a lasting machine, the combination with means constructed to operate progressively to last different portions of a shoe, of a support for a last and shoe mounted for up and down movements and for rearward movement to present the last and shoe to said lasting means, a flexibleelastic apron on said support arranged to engage the upper at the sides of the last, means for forcing the last and shoe downwardly within said apron to cause the apron to draw the upper tightly over the last, and means for preventing excessive downward movement of the support as the last and shoe are forced within the apron, said means being movable out of operative relation to the support in response to its rearward movement.

2'7. In a lasting machine, the combination with means constructed to operate progressively to last different portions of a shoe, of a support for a last and shoe mounted for bodily movements in directions heightwise of the shoe and for rearward movement to present the last and shoe to said lasting means, a flexible elastic apron on said support arranged to engage the upper at the sides of the shoe, members slidingly mounted on said support for movements in directions heightwise of the shoe, said members being arranged by engagement with the bottom face of an insole on the last to depress the last and shoe within said apron to cause the apron to conform. the upper to the contour of the last, and means for preventing excessive heightwise movement of the support with said members, said last-named means being movable out of operative relation to the support in response to its rearward movement.

28. In a lasting machine, the combination with means constructed to operate progressively to lay over the bottom. of a last different portions of the margin of an upper, of upper-conforming means comprising a flexible elastic apron adapted to receive a last presented by the operator bottom upward with an upper and an insole thereon and to conform the upper to the contour of the last with its marginal portion projecting beyond the bottom edge of the insole, and supporting means for said upper-conforming means constructed and arranged for movement to present the last and shoe on said upper-conforming means successively in different positions for the operation of said overlaying means.

29. In a lasting machine, the combination with means constructed to operate progressively to lay over the bottom of a last diflerent portions of the margin of an upper, of upper-conforming means comprising a flexible elastic apron adapted to receive a last presented by the operator bottom upward with an upper and an insole thereon and to conform the upper to the contour of the last with its marginal portion projecting beyond the edge of the insole, and supporting means for said upper-conforming means constructed and ar-,

ranged for movements in directions lengthwise and widthwise of the shoe and for turning movements about an axis extending heightwise of the shoe to present the last and shoe on said upperconforming means successively in different positions for the operation of said overlaying means.

30. In a lasting machine, the combination with shoe-positioning means, and means constructed to operate progressively to lay over the bottom of a last different portions of the margin of an upper and to fasten each overlaid portion in lasted position by a driven fastening, of upper-conforming means comprising a flexible elastic apron adapted to receive a last presented by the operator bottom upward with an upper and an insole thereon and to conform the upper to the contour of the last with its marginal portion projecting beyond the edge of the insole, and supporting means for said upper-conforming means, said supporting means being constructed and arranged to hold the shoe on said upper-conforming means yieldingly in engagement with said shoe-positioning means while permitting movements of the upperconforming means and the shoe in directions lengthwise and widthwise of the shoe to present the shoe successively in different position for the operation of said overlaying and fastening-inserting means.

31. In a lasting machine, the combination with shoe-positioning means, and means constructed to operate progressively to lay over the bottom of a last diiferent portions of the margin of an upper and to fasten each overlaid portion in lasted position by a driven fastening, of upperconforming means comprising a flexible elastic apron adapted to receive a last presented by the operator bottom. upward with an upper and an insole thereon and to conform the upper to the contour of the last with its marginal portion projecting beyond the edge of the insole, and supporting means for said upper-conforming means, said supporting means being constructed and arranged to hold the shoe on said upper-conforming means yieldingly in engagement with said shoepositioning means while permitting lengthwise feeding movements to be imparted to the shoe and also turning movements about an axis extending heightwise of the shoe to present different portions of the margin of the upper along the sides of the shoe successively to the action of said overlaying and fastening-inserting means.

32. In a lasting machine, the combination with shoe-positioning means, and means constructed to operate progressively to lay over the bottom of a last different portions of the margin of an upper, of upper-conforming means comprising a flexible elastic apron adapted to receive a last presented by the operator bottom upward with an upper and an insole thereon and to conform the upper to the contour of the last with its marginal portion projecting beyond the edge of the insole, and supporting means for said upperconforming means comprising a holder mounted for swinging movements about axes extending legthwise and widthwise of the shoe and also for turning movements about an axis extending heightwise of the shoe to permit movement of the shoe to present different portions of the margin of the upper acted upon by said upperconforming means successively to the action of said overlaying means.

33. In a lasting machine, the combination with shoe-positioning means, and means constructed to operate progressively to lay over the bottom of a last different portions of the margin of an upper, of upper-conforming means comprising a flexible elastic apron adapted to receive a last presented by the operator bottom upward with an upper and an insole thereon and to conformthe upper to the contour of the last with its marginal portion projecting beyond the edge of the insole, and supporting means for said upper-conforming means comprising a holder movable to position the shoe on said upper-conforming means in engagement with said shoe-positioning means, said holder being movable also in directions lengthwise pf the shoe topermit the shoe to be presented successively in diiferent positions for the operation of said overlaying means.

34. In a lasting machine, the combination with shoe-positioning means, andmeans constructed to operate progressively to lay over the bottom of a last different portions of the margin 'of an upper and to fasten each overlaid portionin lasted position by a driven fastening, of upper-conforming means comprising a flexible elastic apron adapted to receive a last presented by the operator bottom upward with an upper and an insole thereon and to conform the upper to the contour of the last with its marginal portion projecting beyond the edge of the insole; supporting means for said upper-conforming means comprising a pivoted holder for moving the upper-conforming means and the shoe toward said shoe-positioning means, and a spring-controlled pivoted arm for moving the holder bodilyheightwise of the shoe to press the shoe against said shoe-positioning means, said arm being mounted for turning movements about an axis extending widthwise of the shoe to permit the holder and the shoe to be moved lengthwise of the shoe relatively to said shoepositioning means into diiferent positions to present different portions of the margin of the upper to the action of said overlaying and fasteninginserting means.

35. In a lasting machine, the combination with means constructed to operate progressively to lay over the bottom of a last different portions of the margin of an upper, and a shoe-positioning member for engaging the bottom of the shoe to determine therelation of the shoe to said overlaying means, of upper-conforming means comprising a flexible elastic apron adapted to receive a last presented by the operator bottom upward with an upper and an insole thereon and to conform the upper to the contour of the last with its marginal portion projecting beyond the edge of the insole, and supporting means for said upperconforming' means comprising a holder mounted for manual movement to carry the upper-conforming means and the shoe toward said overlaying means, and spring means acting on said holder to move it heightwise of the shoe to press the shoe against said positioning member.

36. In a lasting machine, the combination with means constructed to operate progressively to lay over the bottom of a last diiferent portions of the margin of an upper, and a shoe-positioning member for engaging the bottom; of the shoe to determine the relation of the shoe to said overlaying means, of-upper-conforming means compris-- ing aflexible elastic apron adapted to receive a last presented by the operator bottom upward with an upper-and an insole thereon and to conform the upper to the contour of the last with its marginal portion projecting beyond the edge of the insole, and supporting means for said upperconforming means comprising a holder mounted for rearward swinging movement to carry the upper-conforming means and the shoe toward said overlaying means and for bodily movement heightwise of the shoe to position the shoe inengagement with said positioning member, and a spring-controlled pivoted arm for imparting to the holder its heightwise movement.

37. In a lasting machine, the combination with means constructed to operate progressively to lay over the bottom of a last difierent portions of the margin of an upper and to fasten each overlaid portion in lasted position by a driven fastening, and a shoe-positioning member for engaging the bottom of the shoe to determine the relation of the shoe to said overlaying and fastening inserting means, of upper-conforming means comprising a flexible elastic apron adapted to receive a last presented by the operator bottom upward with an upper andan insole thereon and to conform the upper to the contour of thelast with its marginal portion projecting beyond the edge of the insole, and supporting means for saidu'pper-conforming means comprising a .holder mounted for rearward movement to carry the upper-conforming means and the shoe toward said overlaying and fastening-inserting means and for movement heightwise of the shoe. to position the shoe in engagement with said positioning member, and a spring-controlled pivoted arm for imparting to the holder its heightwise movement, said arm and the holder being connected together for swinging movements about an axis extending in the direction of the width of the shoe to permit the upper conforming means and the shoetobe moved relatively to said positioning member in directions lengthwise of the shoe.

38. In a lasting machine, the combination with means constructed to operate progressively tolay over the bottom of a last different portions of the margin of an upper and to. fasten each overlaid portion in lasted position by a driven fastening, and a shoe-positioning member for engaging the bottom of the shoe to determine the relation of the shoe to said overlaying and fastening-inserting means, of upper-conforming means comprisiing a flexible elastic apron adapted to receive a last presented by the operator bottom upward with an upper and an insole thereon and to conform the upper to the contour of the last with its marginal portion projecting beyond the edge of the insole, and supporting means for said upperconforming means comprising. a holder mounted ,to be swung rearwardly by the operator .to carry the upper-conforming means and the shoe toward 39. In a lasting machine, the combination .with

means constructed to operate progressively to lay over the bottom of a last difierent portions of the margin of an upper and to fasten each overlaid portion in lasted position by a driven fastening, and a shoe-positioning member for engaging the bottom of the shoe to determine the relation of the shoe to said overlaying and fastening-inserting means, of upper-conforming means comprising a flexible elastic apron adapted to receive a last presented by the operator bottom upward with an upper and an insole thereon and to conform the upper to the contour of the last with its marginal portion projecting beyond the edge of the insole, supporting means for said upperconforming means comprising a holder mounted for rearward swinging movement to carry the upper-conforming means and the ,shoe toward said overlaying and fastening-inserting means, and a spring-controlled pivoted arm for moving said holder upwardly to press the shoe against said positioning member, said arm being mounted also for turning movements about an axis extending in the direction of its length to permit the holder to be swung by the operator to move the upper-conforming means and the shoe in directions lengthwise of the shoe.

40. In a lasting machine, the combination with means for pulling over a last in different locations successively different portions of the margin of an upper and for driving a fastening in each location to secure the upper in lasted position, of a support for a last and shoe movable to present the last and shoe successively in different positions for the operation of said upper-pulling and fastening-inserting means, and means on said support for working the shoe upper by frictional contact therewith into conformity to the contour of the last with its marginal portion projecting beyond the edge of an insole on the last and for holding the upper thus conformed during successive pulling and fastening-inserting operations.

41. In a lasting machine, the combination with means for laying over the bottom of a last in different locations successively different portions of the lasting margin of an upper and for fastening each portion in lasted position by a driven fastening, of a support for the last and shoe movable to present the last and shoe in different positions for the operation of said overlaying and fastening-inserting means, means on said support for conforming the shoe upper to the contour of the last comprising a flexible elastic apron arranged to engage the upper at the opposite sides of the last between its toe and heel-end portions, and means arranged by engagement with the bottom face of an insole on the last to depress the last and shoe within the apron to cause the apron to conform the upper tightly to the contour of the last with its lasting margin projecting beyond the edge of the insole.

42. In a lasting machine, the combination with means for laying over the bottom of a last in different locations successively different portions of the lasting margin of an upper and for f astening each portion in lasted position by a driven fastening, of a support for the last and shoe movable to present the last and shoe in different positions for the operation of said overlaying and fastening-inserting means, means on said support for conforming the shoe upper to the contour of the last comprising a flexible elastic apron arranged to extend across the top of the last between its toe and heel-end portions, and members for effecting relative movement of said apron and the last in a direction heightwise of the last to cause the apron to work the upper into conformity to the contour of the last with the lasting margin of the upper projecting beyond the edge of an insole on the last.

43. In a lasting machine, the combination with means for laying over the bottom of a last in different locations successively different portions of the lasting margin of an upper and for fastening each portion in lasted position by a driven fastening, of a support for the last and shoe movable to present the last and shoe in different positions for the operation of said overlaying and fastening-inserting means, means on said support for conforming the shoe upper to the contour of the last comprising a flexible elastic apron arranged to extend across the top of the last between its toe and heel-end portions, mechanism for depressing the last and shoe within the apron to cause the apron by frictional contact with the upper to work it toward the bottom edge of the last, and members at the opposite sides of the last for supporting the apron and movable inwardly to clamp the upper against the last below its bottom edge with the marginal portion of the upper projecting beyond said edge.

44. In a lasting machine, the combination with means for pulling over a last in different locations successively different portions of the margin of an upper and for driving a fastening in each location to secure the upper in lasted position, of a support for a last and shoe movable to present the last and shoe successively in different positions for the operation of said upper-pulling and fastening-inserting means, a flexible elastic apron on said support for working the shoe upper heightwise of the last into conformity to the contour of the last, and means movable to force said apron inwardly toward the last to press the upper against the last below the edge of the last bottom with the marginal portion of the upper projecting beyond said edge and for maintaining the apron in that position during successive upperpulling and fastening-inserting operations.

45. In a lasting machine, the combination with means for pulling over a last in different locations successively different portions of the margin of an upper and for driving a fastening in each location to secure the upper in lasted position, of a support for a last and shoe movable to present the last and shoe successively in different positions for the operation of said upperpulling and fastening-inserting means, a flexible elastic apron on said support for working the shoe upper heightwise of the last into conformity to the contour of the last, members movable inwardly at the opposite sides of the last for clamping the upper through said flexible apron against the last below its bottom edge with the marginal portion of the upper projecting beyond said edge, and means for maintaining said members in clamping positions during successive upper-pulling and fastening-inserting operations.

46. In a lasting machine, the combination with, means for pulling over a last in different locations successively different portions of the margin of an upper and for driving a fastening in each location to secure the upper in lasted position, of a support for a last and shoe movable to present the last and shoe successively in different positions for the operation of said upper-pulling and fastening-inserting means, a flexible elastic apron on said support for working the shoe upper heightwise of the last into conformity to the contour of the last, members at the opposite sides of the last curved similarly to the bottom edges of the last, and means for moving said members inwardly into positions to press the upper through said flexible apron against the last below its bottom edge with the marginal portion of the upper projecting beyond said edge and for maintaining said members yieldingly in those positions as different portions of the margin of the upper are presented successively to the operation of said upper-pulling and fastening-inserting means.

47. In a lasting machine, the combination with means for laying over the bottom of a last in different locations successively different portions of the lasting margin of an upper and for fastening each portion in lasted position by a driven fastening, of a support for the last and shoe movable to present the last and shoe in different positions for the operation of said overlaying and fastening-inserting means, means on said support for conforming the shoe upper to the contour of the last comprising a flexible elastic apron arranged to extend across the top of the last between its toe and heel-end portions, mechanism for effecting relative movement between said apron and the last in a direction heightwise of the last to cause the apron by frictional contact with the upper to work it toward the bottom edge of the last, and members at the opposite sides of the last curved similarly to the opposite bottom edges of the last for supporting the apron, said members being movable inwardly toward the last in response to said relative movement into positions to clamp the upper against the last below its bottom edge with the marginal portion of the upper projecting beyond said edge.

48. In a lasting machine, the combination with means for laying over the bottom of a last in different locations successively different portions of the lasting margin of an upper and for fastening the upper in each location in lasted position by a driven fastening, of a support for a last and shoe movable to present the last and shoe in different positions for the operation of said overlaying and fastening-inserting means, means on said support for conforming the upper to the contour of the last comprising a flexible apron arranged to engage the upper at the opposite sides of the last between its toe and heel-end portions, and members at the sides of the last curved both widthwise and heightwise of the last in substantial conformity to the curvature of the opposite bottom edges of the last for pressing the upper against the last below its bottom edge with the marginal portion of the upper upstanding.

49. In a lasting machine, the combination with means for pulling over a last in different locations successively different portions of the margin of an upper and for laying the marginal portion of the upper in each location inwardly over an insole on the last, of a support for a last and shoe movable to present the last and shoe successively in different positions for the operation of said upper: pulling and overlaying means, and means on said support for working the shoe upper by frictional contact therewith into conformity to the contour of the last with its marginal portion projecting beyond the edge of the insole and for holding the upper thus conformed during successive pulling and overlaying operations.

50. In a lasting machine, the combination with means for pulling an upper over a last in different locations successively and for laying the marginal portion of the upper in each location 1nwardly over an insole on the last, of a support for a last and shoe movable to present the last and shoe in different positions for the operation of said upper-pulling and overlaying means, means on said support for conforming the shoe upper to the contour of the last comprising a flexible elastic apron arranged to engage the upper at the opposite sides of the last between its toe and heelend portions, and means for depressing the last and shoe within the apron to cause the apron to conform the upper tightly to the contour of the last with its lasting margin projecting beyond the edge of the insole.

51. In a lasting machine, the combination with means for pulling over a last in different locations successively different portions of the margin of an upper and for laying the marginal portion of the upper in each location inwardly over an insole on the last, of a support for a last and shoe movable to present the last and shoe in different positions for the operation of said upper-pulling and overlaying means, a flexible elastic apron on said support for working the shoe upper heightwise of the last into conformity to the contour of the last, and means movable to force the apron inwardly toward the last to press the upper against the last below the edge of the last bottom with the marginal portion of the upper projecting beyond said edge and for maintaining the apron in that position during successive upper-pulling and overlaying operations.

52. In a lasting machine, the combination with means for pulling an upper over a last in different locations successively and for laying its margin in each location inwardly over an insole on. the last, of a support for a last and shoe movable to present the last and shoe in different positions for the operation of said upper-pulling and overlaying means, a flexible elastic apron on said support for working the shoe upper heightwise of the last into conformity to the contour of the last, and members at the sides of the last curved both widthwise and heightwise of the last in substantial conformity to the curvature of the opposite bottom edges of the last for pressing the upper against the last below its bottom edge with the marginal portion of the upper upstanding.

ARTHUR FREDERICK PYM, Executor of the Will of Charles F. Pym, Deceased, 

